Hal Yeager, The Birmingham NewsEverarto Villaleavo holds an American flag as he joins with the group "Alabama Dreamers for the Future" gathered at the Hugo Black Federal Courthouse to hold a prayer vigil for repeal of the state's new immigration law Monday August 29, 2011 in Birmingham, Ala.

THE MOST troubling aspects of Alabama’s strict new immigration law have been blocked by a federal judge. This is a victory for religious groups and farmers — the most vocal opponents of the new law.

U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn said the state of Alabama cannot make it illegal to give assistance to suspected illegal aliens or to hire them as independent contractors.

With these changes, Alabama might not have “the nation’s cruelest immigration law” — per The New York Times’ editorial board — after all.

Schools and police, though, are still going to have to carry out their duties as little border patrols. The judge said the state can require schools to check the immigration status of students, while police will be allowed to check the immigration status of motorists they’ve pulled over.

We suspect these additional duties will pose an unfortunate financial burden for local governments — something they don’t need right now.

Meanwhile, because of other provisions the judge left standing, contracts with unauthorized aliens will be void, and illegals won’t be able to apply for license plates, driver’s licenses or business licenses.

It may take a day or two for all of the ramifications of Judge Blackburn’s ruling to become apparent, of course, but it appears to be well-reasoned and thoughtful.